- Are you detail-oriented?
- What are some of the machines you’ve operated in the past?
- How would you describe your work ethic?
- What is your experience with operating industrial machinery?
- Provide an example of a time you overcame a challenge at work.
Production Workers are employed in warehouses and factories where they produce, assemble and package products.
The most suitable candidate will be able to perform physically strenuous work and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Be wary of candidates who seem careless and irresponsible.
Production Operator Job Interview Tips (former Nestlé Purina Recruiter)
6 Production Worker Interview Questions and Answers
“Describe your past safety training and safety certifications: How would you go about correcting a safety concern in the plant?”
Lost time due to on-site work injuries are both costly and stressful for employers. Most lost time injuries can be prevented through proper safety training and the production worker’s willingness to follow established rules and seek help with particularly demanding tasks. This question reveals an applicant’s overall attitude to promote a safety culture and their willingness to proactively improve plant safety and help prevent injuries.
What to look for in an answer:
- Evidence of past safety training
- Ability to follow established rules
- Willingness to be proactive and fix problems
Do you have any experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is frequently used in production environments to keep track of inventory and production operations. Production workers must be able to use ERP software to document their work and flag errors in work instructions. Past experience with ERP software demonstrates a basic level of computer literacy that is necessary for performing at a high level in a plant.
What to look for in an answer:
- Level of technical expertise
- Range of experience with different software and tasks
- Attention to detail
What is your experience in working with machinery in industrial operations?
Production workers fulfill a wide range of responsibilities, from sorting and packaging to running industrial operations. While many skills can be learned on the job, a strong mechanical aptitude and natural love of manual work are desirable traits for most employers looking to fill production worker positions. Candidates with these kinds of traits are more likely to take initiative and find satisfaction in their position.
What to look for in an answer:
- Past experience in job-related tasks
- Natural interest in skills needed for the job
- Willingness to learn new skills
What would you do if you noticed that a high volume of the parts you needed to assemble a product had defects?
As a direct part of the manufacturing chain, production workers have the opportunity to spot and address quality control issues before they reach the consumer. Strong production worker candidates should take the initiative to communicate with their team about weak spots in the supply chain so they can help prevent costly recalls. This question helps interviewers identify candidates who are proactive about potential manufacturing issues and understand the different circumstances that could lead to poor quality control.
Look for these qualities in a candidate’s answer:
- Attention to detail
- Solution-oriented mindset
- Teamwork
Here is one possible response:
Do you have any past work experience as a production worker where you had to meet challenging physical demands?
Production workers typically fulfill roles in busy manufacturing and industrial environments that require sustained attention to detail and demanding physical tasks. Workers must be able to meet all of these tasks that are outlined in the job description. Successful performance as a production worker in a previous job as well as a willingness to use resources to prevent injury are positive signs for employers.
What to look for in an answer:
- Ability to perform current role
- Awareness and willingness to use tools that prevent injury
- Willingness to seek help
Imagine that you repeatedly discover a coworker in the break room during their shift. What would you do?
Production worker jobs are often comprised of workers with little formal education who must perform physically demanding jobs. Worker motivation can sometimes be low, and it is not uncommon for established workers to try to avoid their regular responsibilities. This question reveals an applicant’s understanding of workplace responsibilities as well as their overall willingness to speak up to coworkers and handle workplace conflict.
What to look for in an answer:
- Recognition that the coworker’s actions are not following company policies
- Proposed method for resolving the conflict
- Willingness to report the coworker’s behavior
10 general machine operator interview questions
A hiring manager often asks general machine operator interview questions to learn about your work style. They may also ask these questions to find out more about your personality and relevant skills. Consider preparing to answer the following questions during the hiring process:
What is your experience with checking the quality of a machine?
Some machines require more quality control than others, which means interviewers may expect candidates to have some experience in assessing the quality of machines. If your industry often uses machines that require routine quality checks, the interviewer might be more likely to ask this question. In your response, try explaining how youve performed quality assurance analysis on specific machines in the past. Consider emphasizing details that may not appear on your resume.
Example: “In my current position, I complete weekly quality checks on ultrasound equipment. The clinic performs a high volume of ultrasounds each day, so I assess the machines to ensure theyre operating correctly. I also replace parts as needed. Additionally, I complete a full diagnostic assessment of each machine after changing its parts.”
10 in-depth questions for machine operators
In-depth questions often focus on topics that are specific to a company or industry. A hiring manager may also ask in-depth questions to learn how you perform in the workplace. Consider preparing to answer some of the following questions:
Tell about a time when you found and solved a problem with a machine. How did you do it?
Shows mechanical and problem-solving skills.
You and a team member disagree about a safety measure. How would you resolve this?
Displays ability to work with others and adhere to rules.
Have you ever done quality checks? What was involved?
Shows ability to run tests on machines.
Interview Questions for Production Workers:
Reveals the candidates sense of responsibility and work ethic.
Do you have experience with physically demanding work?
This shows the candidates experience and suitability for a physically strenuous job.
What type of machinery, tools, and equipment have you worked with?
Reveals the candidates work experience.
Example: “When I was working as a production operator at my last job, we were having some issues with the quality of our products. The company had hired a new marketing team, and they wanted us to start producing higher-quality products. We didn’t have enough time to change all of our equipment, so instead, I used my critical thinking skills to come up with a solution. I decided to hire more employees to help produce the high-quality products. This helped us meet the needs of the marketing team and still keep our customers happy.”
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the ability to perform your job duties with accuracy. Detail orientation is an important skill for production operators because they must be able to follow instructions and monitor their work carefully. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and focused on your tasks.
Example: “Quality control is important because it helps ensure products are made according to specifications, which can be especially important for businesses that manufacture goods for customers. In my previous role as a production operator, I was responsible for monitoring machines during production runs to make sure they were operating within set parameters. If there was an issue with a machine or if something wasn’t meeting standards, I would notify my supervisor so we could address the problem.”
Example: “I believe the most important safety measure for production operators is wearing personal protective equipment at all times. I have worked with many people who didn’t wear PPE or took it off because they were hot. This can be very dangerous because it leaves them exposed to hazardous materials. I always make sure to put my PPE on before entering the production area and never remove it unless I am leaving the facility.”
Example: “In my last position as a production operator, I noticed that we were spending too much time cleaning our equipment between each batch of products. To solve this problem, I developed a new system for cleaning the equipment while it was still running, which saved us a lot of time and money. We also had more consistent products because we didn’t have to clean the equipment before every batch.”
Why Are You Interested In This Role
The interviewer asks this question to establish the reasons underneath your aspirations to work in this capacity. In brief, detail why you are interested in obtaining this role.
Sample Answer
“I have worked as a production worker for six years in my previous role and believe I have gathered relevant experience. Experience in running different machines on a large scale capacity in different stages along the production line. This experience coupled with the passion I always possessed for machines have been the driving forces towards opting for this role.”
FAQ
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
- Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief? …
- How did you hear about this position? …
- What type of work environment do you prefer? …
- How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? …
- Do you prefer working independently or on a team?
What are the questions asked in production interview?
Tell me about a time that you volunteered for a tough assignment. When you finish your work ahead of schedule, what do you do? How do you react when your workload is increased significantly? Describe a situation in which you showed initiative on the job.
What are basic questions of production?
Why do you want to work in production?
Manufacturing jobs offer a ton of entry-level opportunities. You can actually see the result of your hard work. There’s a lot of money to be made in manufacturing. Working in manufacturing keeps you active.
